Kristiana’s Mother’s Day piece

As I mentioned, three of my girls gave amazing Mother’s Day talks. I posted Katie’s yesterday. Today is Kristiana’s.

Kristiana is almost 17 and was adopted from Russia when she was 19 months old. She has matured into a lovely young woman – smart, funny, popular and kind, Kristiana has a heart of gold – and it’s tightly tied to her tear ducts. She is the crier of the family and we love her for her sensitive, tender nature.

Here is her talk:

My name is Kristiana Richardson and I am going to talk about mothers and how they have done so much for all of us. I would first off like to thank all of you women for all you do each and every day and for all your hard work. You are all incredible people. A special thank you to my mom Holly for seriously being amazing.

I’m going to start off with a quote from Julie Beck from a past general conference session.

“Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study and family home evening. Mothers who know build children into future leaders and are the primary examples of what leaders look like. They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most.”

I don’t know about all you other mothers but I know for a fact all my mom does is try her hardest to become a better person than yesterday and tries her very hardest to keep all 10 teenagers on the right path and loves us more each day, even through all the complaints and whining. My mom is one of the most slefless people I know and having such a big heart to do what she did, which was to adopt like 20 kids from all around the world and raise us. She’s incredible. Words can’t describe how amazing she is. I really do love and admire her.

I have one last quote before I close.

“While women live in homes under many different circumstances – married, single, widowed or divorced, some with children and some without – all are beloved of God and He has a plan for His rigteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.” Elder M Russell Ballard

I am so thankful for my family, including my mom for all she does for me and my family. Words can’t describe my gratitude towards her. She really is incredible and I couldn’t have asked for a better mom to raise me. (And Dad too.) All you mothers are amazing, admirable people. Thank you for everything.

Love you, Kristiana! What a delight it has been to be your Mom.